About the role:We are seeking a highly accomplished Principal Architect to join our leadership team and report directly to the Managing Principal. This role is intended for a senior architectural leader with deep expertise in technical design, construction detailing, building systems, specifications, and project delivery. The ideal candidate is both a strategic thinker and a highly skilled technical architect who understands how exceptional design is executed through disciplined documentation, coordination, and construction.
The Principal Architect will play a critical leadership role in shaping the technical direction of the architecture practice, mentoring teams, overseeing project quality, and ensuring that our work reflects the highest standards of design excellence and constructability. This individual will bridge leadership, design, and construction by bringing a sophisticated understanding of how buildings come together in the field.
This is a full-time onsite position based in our Santa Barbara, CA, offices.
Key Responsibilities:- Provide leadership across the architecture practice, with a strong focus on technical excellence, project execution, and construction quality.
- Partner with the Managing Principal to help guide the strategic growth, performance, and standards of the architecture department.
- Lead the technical delivery of complex projects, ensuring drawing sets are coordinated, detailed, code-compliant, and buildable.
- Oversee and elevate firmwide standards for construction documentation, detailing, specifications, QA/QC, and coordination.
- Serve as a senior technical resource for project teams, providing direction on building systems, material assemblies, waterproofing, flashing, structural integration, and envelope design.
- Review projects at key milestones to ensure alignment with design intent, technical rigor, budget, and constructability.
- Work closely with design, interiors, engineering, estimating, and construction teams to strengthen integration across disciplines.
- Provide leadership during construction administration, including support for RFIs, submittals, field coordination, and technical problem solving.
- Mentor project architects, designers, and technical staff in documentation standards, detailing, and best practices.
- Contribute to business development, client relationships, and overall firm leadership as needed.
- Support the refinement of internal processes, technical resources, detail libraries, and specifications to improve quality and efficiency across the practice.
Qualifications and requirements- Minimum 15-20 years of architectural experience, including substantial experience in senior leadership roles.
- Licensed Architect required.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited university.
- Deep knowledge of construction detailing, technical documentation, specifications, and constructability.
- Extensive experience in high-end residential architecture; additional hospitality or commercial experience is a plus.
- Strong understanding of wood, concrete, steel, and complex custom construction systems.
- Advanced knowledge of California codes, local jurisdictional requirements, IBC, and industry standards.
- Proven ability to lead teams and deliver highly coordinated, technically sophisticated projects.
- Strong experience in construction administration and working directly with contractors and consultants.
- Proficiency in Revit, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office required.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire confidence internally and externally.
Who You Are- A seasoned architect with the judgment, confidence, and technical expertise to lead at the highest level.
- Deeply knowledgeable in how buildings are detailed and constructed.
- A mentor who raises the performance of those around you.
- A leader who can balance design excellence with technical discipline and real-world execution.
- Collaborative, solutions-oriented, and highly organized.
- Comfortable being both client-facing and internally influential.
Additional Benefits:- Insurance (Medical, Dental, Life)
- 401(k) with a company match
- Paid time off and sick pay
- Mileage, tool, cell phone reimbursement
- Referral program
- Competitive pay with yearly reviews
- Opportunity for Growth
- Tuition Reimbursement
Benefits• Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life)
• 401(k)
• Paid time off and sick pay
• Mileage and cell phone reimbursement
• Referral program
• Competitive pay with yearly reviews
• Opportunity for Growth
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Tool reimbursement
Travel Time Required - 10% (this is an estimated amount)
Physical Job Description - Must be physically able to operate various machines and equipment, including computers, office equipment, telephone, etc. Physical demands are essentially those of sedentary work. Tasks may require extended periods at a keyboard or workstation.
Typical Working Conditions - Sedentary work in an office environment
Equipment Statement of Employer's Rights This job description does not list all of the duties of this position. You may be asked by management to perform other duties. You will be evaluated in part based on your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. Clear Group has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment, and either you or the Company may terminate employment at any time, for any reason.
